Collins, Suzanne - The Hunger Games

[Katelynn Scott]

In preparation for the release of the first movie, I just finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins for the fourth time. Ryan encouraged me to post a review here on NazNet - especially with the popularity of the movie - to help those who may still be unfamiliar with the series.

This book is the first in a series of three and introduces us to a futuristic world in which the government of the United States has defeated the rebellious populace and instituted complete rule. There is a capitol located somewhere in the Rockies - populated with rich and pampered people - and twelve districts in various places around the country where the people produce goods and services for the government. For example, the main characters come from district 12: located somewhere in Appalachia, and responsible for the mining of coal.

In order to remind the districts of their position of weakness under the government, once a year, there is a "reaping" where one boy and one girl are chosen from each district to compete in the "Hunger Games." The contestants are all placed in a massive arena controlled by the "game makers" and are forced to survive terrible fates and fight one another to the death. The winning contestant ("tribute") brings honor and some provision to their district.

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen from district 12 and forced to the capitol. They enter the games and seek to survive. There is a twist in that Peeta loves Katniss and the game makers, in an attempt to keep the television audience in the capitol interested, make a rule that two tributes can win if they are both from the same district. The book focuses on the internal turmoil within Katniss as she is struggling with her feelings about Peeta, not wanting to seem like a pawn in the capitol's game, having to kill other kids and her basic desire to return home.

I won't give away the ending - but I will say that I love this book and enjoyed the next two in the series as well.

There have been many groups concerned about these books due to their somewhat graphic nature (kids killing kids). I will be the first to say that even though I teach 7th grade English, there are even some students in my current class that I would say probably aren't ready for a book of this nature. I think parents should wait until kids are in 8th or 9th grade even to read them. This book is not different from others in the dystopia/survival genre - sort of like Lord of the Flies in parts actually. There is a reason though that LotF is a high school level book and I would place Hunger Games there as well.

As a counter-argument though - the book does deal with the fact that humans killing other humans is not right and those who enjoy it must have some sort of sociopathical disorder. There is LOTS to discuss within this book and would make a great read for a book club or discussion group. The role of government, the responsibility of individuals in the face of injustice, the lengths that a person would go to in order to protect their family or those they love, etc...

I love it!

[Ryan Scott]

I loved the first book, the second two less. I engaged the idea of Panem as a metaphor for how the West takes advantage of the resources of the rest of the world. There are lots of applicable metaphors in this story, but Collins doesn't ever really flesh this one out. She stays much simpler, which is probably appropriate for a twelve year old audience.

It's a great book, quality writing, a great story and characters who really think and evolve - as well as some intense emotions. Everything that makes a great novel great. You should read it.

[Scott Moseley]

Ah ha ! Katelyn is still spreading the message! She recommended this book several years ago here on Naznet when my voracious teen reader was looking for new material. It was a hit and we have read all three books in trilogy as her books are the most passed around in her school here in Cebu Philippines where libraries sadly are virtually non existent.

Thanks again to Katelyn for the early heads up! I am looking forward to any more teen reader recommendations she might have. Perhaps a new thread ?

[Wes Smith]

I cannot remember reading a series in which I was kept in depression for so long! While the relationships were fascinating and interesting, I kept hoping for some good news. And, yet, I read. In fact, could not stay away from the books. The end was very fulfilling, but man, having to spend all that time in such misery! Fantastic!

Not sure when I get to see the movie/s. We will be in San Jose this week. Perhaps it will be showing. If so, I get to have another huge dose of depression, I'm sure. Can hardly wait!

I really did enjoy the books and enjoyed "Katnip" and the other characters. Aside from the violence (every page), the book was completely free of profanity and sex. I found that amazing.

Friend,

Wes

[Paul DeBaufer]

I reluctantly decided to read the books because a young friend said she thought they were good. I began with the notion that I would not like the books. I was wrong. While I find it deeply disturbing that the government would pit 24 children in a fight to the death, I do have to remember the intended audience. Also, I must remember that one can go to war at age 17, and in the Civil War soldiers were as young as 13.

I am kind of addicted to the books although halfway through Catching Fire and I'm not really liking Katniss. But then, it was sort of brought out in the first book that she really isn't likable and hence the playing up of the supposed romance during the games. But I am still engaged. I haven't read like this since I got out of prison.

Saw the movie, it isn't very good at all.

[Ryan Scott]

I do have to remember the intended audience.

Yeah, there's a lot of parallels in the first book to the way the US (and the West) treat the rest of the world. Those didn't get played out at all - likely due to the intended audience. They are engaging books to read.

[Paul DeBaufer]

Yeah, there's a lot of parallels in the first book to the way the US (and the West) treat the rest of the world. Those didn't get played out at all - likely due to the intended audience. They are engaging books to read.

Very engaging.